Seven Make-a-Wish children are given behind-the-scenes access to the Esports World Cup in Paris. Photo: Esports Foundation

‘Joy, cheers and happiness’: Make-A-Wish children take to Esports World Cup

Seven children living with critical illnesses got to fulfil their wishes at the tournament in Paris

Pop Culture

Beyonce, Jay-Z, Timothee Chalamet and more: Celebrities at the World Cup final

Pop Culture

Post Malone, Madonna and BTS at the World Cup final half-time show

Pop Culture

Why Spain and Argentina players will kiss shin guards, burn incense and eat sweets before the World Cup final

World Cup 2026

The connection between the World Cup final ball and Abu Dhabi

Culture

Meet the Abu Dhabi team vying for the UAE's first Esports World Cup championship

Pop Culture

Argentina v England: Films, books and songs behind the fierce rivalry

Pop Culture
Saudi esports star Modhi Alkanhal during the Valorant Championship Final from the Saudi Yalla Ladies League between Team Falcons and Twisted Minds. Photo: Saudi Esports Federation

Esports has a gender gap problem – the Gulf may be showing how to close it

Prince Faisal bin Bandar says female players need to see a clear route from gaming to competition

Pop Culture

More than 100,000 tickets sold as Esports World Cup opens in Paris

Pop Culture

‘Messi is in my pocket’: What Egypt fans are chanting before facing Argentina

Pop Culture

Esports World Cup’s Paris move tests foundation's global gaming ambitions

Culture

Ronaldo's tears for Diogo Jota and the grief running through the 2026 World Cup

Pop Culture

What ‘Bismillah’ means and why Ronaldo may have said it during the World Cup

Pop Culture

Abu Dhabi’s autonomous racing league heads to Imola for first international test

Culture
Cristiano Ronaldo wears Diogo Jota's No 21 shirt after Portugal's win over Croatia in Toronto. Getty Images

Ronaldo's tears for Diogo Jota and the grief running through the 2026 World Cup

Players, coaches and supporters have displayed emotion through the tournament, honouring teammates, parents and superfans

Pop Culture

What ‘Bismillah’ means and why Ronaldo may have said it during the World Cup

Pop Culture

Abu Dhabi’s autonomous racing league heads to Imola for first international test

Culture

What is the Viking Row? Norway’s viral World Cup celebration explained

Culture

Newsletter

The Arts Edit

The Arts Edit

The insider’s guide to arts and culture in the Middle East

PreviewSign up